Seasoned Basmati Rice

Spices are tied in a bouquet garni so they're easy to remove after cooking. And the cheesecloth-wrapped bouquets, bundled in food-safe cellophane, are also good stocking stuffers on their own. Include these directions with each package of rice: Bring 3 cups water to a boil; add bouquet garni and 1 1/2 cups rice mixture, and cook 18 minutes or until rice and lentils are tender. Discard bouquet garni; stir 1/2 teaspoon salt into rice mixture.